The city returned to normal far too quickly.
By the time the police sirens echoed in the distance, the alley looked almost untouched — cracked pavement, a broken streetlight, nothing more. No shadows. No monsters. No sign that dreams and darkness had collided there moments ago.
Mio sat on the curb, holding Hina close.
Hina's head rested against Mio's shoulder, her breathing uneven, fingers still gripping the fabric of Mio's sleeve as if afraid she might disappear.
Neither of them spoke.
"I'm sorry," Mio whispered at last.
Hina stirred slightly. "For what…?"
"For everything," Mio said, her voice breaking. "For lying. For dragging you into this. For letting you get hurt."
Hina lifted her head slowly. Her eyes were still red, but steady.
"You didn't drag me," she said softly. "I chose to stay."
Mio shook her head. "You shouldn't have had to."
Hina smiled weakly. "Maybe. But… I'm glad it was you."
That made Mio's chest ache in a way she couldn't explain.
They walked home together in silence, hands brushing occasionally — neither pulling away.
---
Hina's room was dim, lit only by a small bedside lamp.
She sat on her bed while Mio stood awkwardly near the door, wringing her hands like a child caught doing something wrong.
"So," Hina said gently, "you're a magical girl."
Mio winced. "When you say it like that…"
"And there are enemies," Hina continued. "And that woman… Shizuku."
"Yes."
"And I'm one too now," Hina added quietly, touching the crystal pendant resting against her chest.
Mio swallowed. "You don't have to be. We'll find a way. I swear."
Hina looked up at her.
"Mio," she said, calm but firm, "I was terrified. I still am. But when I saw you standing there alone… I realized something."
She hesitated.
"I don't want to live in a world where I pretend that kind of danger doesn't exist. Not if it means losing you."
Mio's eyes filled with tears again.
"I'll protect you," she promised. "No matter what."
Hina smiled softly. "Then let me protect you too."
---
Elsewhere, far from the quiet bedroom—
Ren stopped mid-step on a darkened rooftop.
The night air rippled.
"…Another one," he muttered.
His hand pressed against his chest as a faint echo of light passed through him — unfamiliar, gentle, new.
"A second awakening," he said, eyes narrowing. "And close."
A slow smile touched his lips.
"So you finally let someone in, Mio Hanabira."
---
The next morning at school, Mio barely made it through the gate before she felt it.
A sharp gaze.
Rika.
She stood near the shoe lockers, arms crossed, expression unreadable as always. Her eyes flicked to Mio — then past her, lingering just a second too long.
"You're late," Rika said.
"Sorry," Mio replied quickly.
Rika studied her face. "You didn't sleep."
Mio stiffened. "I'm fine."
"Liar."
Rika turned and walked toward the building. After a step, she paused.
"You're not the only one keeping secrets," she said quietly. "Just remember that."
She didn't wait for an answer.
Mio stood frozen, heart pounding.
---
On the rooftop of a towering structure beyond the city, shadows gathered.
Shizuku knelt silently as a tall figure stepped forward, their form obscured by drifting black petals.
"A second light has awakened," the figure said calmly.
"Yes," Shizuku replied. "Unstable. Emotional. Dangerous."
A soft chuckle echoed.
"Excellent. Dreams shine brightest just before they shatter."
High above, unseen by all—
Something watched.
Something ancient.
Two voices now sing the symphony, it whispered.
Let us see if they can remain in harmony.
---
And far below, in a quiet classroom, Hina touched the pendant beneath her uniform and took a slow breath.
Whatever this world truly was…
She had stepped into it.